Expat child ban claims

A Cook Islands company that employs foreign staff has been informed that children of imported staff, will not be permitted to stay in the country, says Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce president Stephen Lyon.

Lyon says he’s sighted a communication that says while children of foreigners working in the Cook Islands may visit their parents, they can only do so under the conditions of a bona fide tourist permit.

“This is an abhorrent policy that is discriminatory and unjust, going against the very strong family values that are a pillar of the Cook Islands society,” says Lyon

“Recent communications from the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration raise grave concerns over the development of policy and the attitudes of those responsible for it.”

The argument that has probably led to this apparent new policy is the cost of educating and providing a health service for these children, says Lyon.

“But let us not forget that it is these people that have become the mainstay of our economy. These people generate the income that supports these services, and without foreign labour we have no economy.”

Lyon says Rarotonga resident Te Tuhi Kelly raised a poignant point about discrimination in a recent column about the treatment of foreign workers.

“And this discriminatory treatment starts at the top.

“By introducing policy such as this ‘no children’ policy, the Cook Islands sends the signal that the people we want to come here are somehow second class citizens, denied such basic human rights as the unity of the family.

“There are other examples in the current policy, such as the bonding of a person to an employer, where the only option if the job does not work out is to leave, with no liability on the employer for providing the conditions and job promised.

Last year Permanent Residencies were suddenly suspended with no announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration or the prime minister who is responsible for those ministries.

CINews efforts to find out when and why PRs had been suspended and if or when the suspension would be lifted, met with no response. An immigration officer told one would-be PR she didn’t know why the suspension had been introduced, but said all those who had submitted applications would have their fees returned.

Lyon says the government suspending Permanent Residency indefinitely is another example of the lack of planning and foresight in immigration matters.

“The current system is barely adequate, but to suspend it sends a signal once again that the Cook Islands is turning its back on many of its taxpaying residents. The action will certainly turn away quality investments valued in the millions, by people that are already part of our society. Migration has always occurred. It always will.

“The biggest difference now is the rate at which it occurs, brought about by the affordable access to air travel. This will no doubt impact our society, as more people leave, and more come to replace them.

“If the Cook Islands of the present wish to have some influence on the Cook Islands of the future, we must have a discussion around long term immigration policy and rights of residents.”

Lyon says Cook Islanders are leaving their own country, and there is no quick fix for depopulation. “We are not returning in sufficient numbers to provide for any significant part of the labour requirements of the country.

“We must rely on migrants and we must expect that when we import labour, those people deserve a pathway to becoming naturalised. We can no longer treat every foreign worker as temporary, somehow expecting them to leave after they have built a home, a family and become part of the community in their new country.

“As a developed, fair and just society we must treat everyone fairly, no matter their nationality, religion, wealth or family status.”

Note: On Thursday the Office of the Prime Minister was asked to comment on this letter and related issues. Though CINews was assured a response was coming soon, none was supplied.

2 comments

Lyon says he’s sighted a communication that says while children of foreigners working in the Cook Islands may visit their parents, they can only do so under the conditions of a bona fide tourist permit. .. George; absolutely agree.
“This is an abhorrent policy that is discriminatory and unjust, going against the very strong family values that are a pillar of the Cook Islands society,” says Lyon
“Recent communications from the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration raise grave concerns over the development of policy and the attitudes of those responsible for it.”... George; rubbish! this is fair, we need to protect the purity of cook islanders foreigners and contractors need to follow the protocol , marriage, business and work. respectfully pay your own bills! support your own children. you are paid to work here at the expense of our own. no offense intended!
The argument that has probably led to this apparent new policy is the cost of educating and providing a health service for these children, says Lyon.... George; if so it is elementary! pay my bills Lyon! if you are so ignorant you pay their bills. this has historic and natural relevance.
“But let us not forget that it is these people that have become the mainstay of our economy. These people generate the income that supports these services, and without foreign labour we have no economy.”... George; rubbish they are paid! are contractors from overseas naturalised overseas with children under there own system. you cannot impose cost on cook islanders, push cook island children aside or further back in line. you pay the bills Lyons. this is a double dip. by all means if they marry and have cook island children otherwise bugger off thanks!
Lyon says Rarotonga resident Te Tuhi Kelly raised a poignant point about discrimination in a recent column about the treatment of foreign workers.
“And this discriminatory treatment starts at the top.... George even if there is one negative situation it does not justify the other! talking about (Treatment)?? in this case we are discussing ( the accommodation of foreign children) get your context straight ignoramus.
“By introducing policy such as this ‘no children’ policy, the Cook Islands sends the signal that the people we want to come here are somehow second class citizens, denied such basic human rights as the unity of the family.... George; we cannot save the world, by all means Lyons you pay their bills.
“There are other examples in the current policy, such as the bonding of a person to an employer, where the only option if the job does not work out is to leave, with no liability on the employer for providing the conditions and job promised.... George; out of context again. when your contract overseas has expired under any arrangement. you must leave.no offence.
Last year Permanent Residencies were suddenly suspended with no announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration or the prime minister who is responsible for those ministries....George; thank god! we don't want them camping on the beach! eh? perhaps in Lyons back yard or at his dinner table. you are irritatingly naïve.
CINews efforts to find out when and why PRs had been suspended and if or when the suspension would be lifted, met with no response. An immigration officer told one would-be PR she didn’t know why the suspension had been introduced, but said all those who had submitted applications would have their fees returned... George; great!
Lyon says the government suspending Permanent Residency indefinitely is another example of the lack of planning and foresight in immigration matters. George; wingers and more wining, lets save the world shall we Michael jackson. look be sensible!
“The current system is barely adequate, but to suspend it sends a signal once again that the Cook Islands is turning its back on many of its taxpaying residents... George Context again Lyons they are not residents! The action will certainly turn away quality investments valued in the millions, by people that are already part of our society. Migration has always occurred. It always will... George; carry on! what rubbish! our culture and peoples are historic gold while other countries have lost there way. predatory investors just ride the gravy train! show some respect lyons
“The biggest difference now is the rate at which it occurs, brought about by the affordable access to air travel. This will no doubt impact our society, as more people leave, and more come to replace them. George; mmm! lost the plot at this stage.
“If the Cook Islands of the present wish to have some influence on the Cook Islands of the future, we must have a discussion around long term immigration policy and rights of residents.... "George; our government has had the discussion Lyons! you keep your kids at home and pay for the contractors children , very good! your winging needs music.
Lyon says Cook Islanders are leaving their own country, and there is no quick fix for depopulation. “We are not returning in sufficient numbers to provide for any significant part of the labour requirements of the country.... George; Rubbish we are sowing our wild oats, educating ourselves and returning home,... George While we are overseas we are the big economy traveling home ! contributing back home ! preparing our land ! supporting our elders! building! What planet are you on Lyons? “We must rely on migrants and we must expect that when we import labour, those people deserve a pathway to becoming naturalised.... George; NO, NO! please follow the protocol decided by our government! We can no longer treat every foreign worker as temporary, somehow expecting them to leave after they have built a home, a family and become part of the community in their new country.... George SHUT UP lyons! empty tins just make noise.
“As a developed, fair and just society we must treat everyone fairly, no matter their nationality, religion, wealth or family status.... "George; rubbish.
Note: On Thursday the Office of the Prime Minister was asked to comment on this letter and related issues. Though CINews was assured a response was coming soon, none was supplied.
- CS/Release
Crikey lyons have you been drinking. you have know idea how us cook islanders live.
in the nicest possible way please ...... deport yourself you ungrateful attention seeker.

kindest travel wishes, George heather .

Lyon says he’s sighted a communication that says while children of foreigners working in the Cook Islands may visit their parents, they can only do so under the conditions of a bona fide tourist permit.
“This is an abhorrent policy that is discriminatory and unjust, going against the very strong family values that are a pillar of the Cook Islands society,” says Lyon
“Recent communications from the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration raise grave concerns over the development of policy and the attitudes of those responsible for it.”
The argument that has probably led to this apparent new policy is the cost of educating and providing a health service for these children, says Lyon.
“But let us not forget that it is these people that have become the mainstay of our economy. These people generate the income that supports these services, and without foreign labour we have no economy.”
Lyon says Rarotonga resident Te Tuhi Kelly raised a poignant point about discrimination in a recent column about the treatment of foreign workers.
“And this discriminatory treatment starts at the top.
“By introducing policy such as this ‘no children’ policy, the Cook Islands sends the signal that the people we want to come here are somehow second class citizens, denied such basic human rights as the unity of the family.
“There are other examples in the current policy, such as the bonding of a person to an employer, where the only option if the job does not work out is to leave, with no liability on the employer for providing the conditions and job promised.
Last year Permanent Residencies were suddenly suspended with no announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration or the prime minister who is responsible for those ministries.
CINews efforts to find out when and why PRs had been suspended and if or when the suspension would be lifted, met with no response. An immigration officer told one would-be PR she didn’t know why the suspension had been introduced, but said all those who had submitted applications would have their fees returned.
Lyon says the government suspending Permanent Residency indefinitely is another example of the lack of planning and foresight in immigration matters.
“The current system is barely adequate, but to suspend it sends a signal once again that the Cook Islands is turning its back on many of its taxpaying residents. The action will certainly turn away quality investments valued in the millions, by people that are already part of our society. Migration has always occurred. It always will.
“The biggest difference now is the rate at which it occurs, brought about by the affordable access to air travel. This will no doubt impact our society, as more people leave, and more come to replace them.
“If the Cook Islands of the present wish to have some influence on the Cook Islands of the future, we must have a discussion around long term immigration policy and rights of residents.”
Lyon says Cook Islanders are leaving their own country, and there is no quick fix for depopulation. “We are not returning in sufficient numbers to provide for any significant part of the labour requirements of the country.
“We must rely on migrants and we must expect that when we import labour, those people deserve a pathway to becoming naturalised. We can no longer treat every foreign worker as temporary, somehow expecting them to leave after they have built a home, a family and become part of the community in their new country.
“As a developed, fair and just society we must treat everyone fairly, no matter their nationality, religion, wealth or family status.”
Note: On Thursday the Office of the Prime Minister was asked to comment on this letter and related issues. Though CINews was assured a response was coming soon, none was supplied.
- CS/Release

Is this guy for real?? This is the same gentleman that was awarded PR when he was with his Cook Islands partner who then left him when he got caught doing the dirty with a girl he was employing! To follow this up he employed a Philipino nanny who he subsequently got pregnant and is now looking for a Chinese nanny to look after his and nanny #1's little boy??? And that is not exploitation of foreign workers!!!!